Driving Time between California and Utah

A picture depicting driving

Road trippin' from California to Utah

Are you planning a road trip from California to Utah? Before hitting the road, it's important to plan your route and consider the amount of time it would take to reach your destination. The time it takes to drive from one state to another can vary depending on the route, traffic patterns, and time of day. In this blog post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and how long it takes to drive each one.

Fastest route

The fastest route from California to Utah is via Interstate 15 North. The distance is approximately 739 miles, and it takes about 11 hours and 20 minutes to drive without stops. With good traffic conditions, you should be able to complete the journey in under 10 hours.

Slowest route

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you could consider taking Highway 395 North to Highway 6 East in Bishop, California. From there, take Highway 93 North to Interstate 15 in Nevada. This route is longer, approximately 929 miles, and can take up to 14 hours to drive.

Travel time based on traffic patterns

The length of time it takes to drive from California to Utah can fluctuate depending on traffic conditions. Traffic is frequently a factor when driving along I-15, especially in urban areas such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Here are some estimates of peak and low-traffic drive times for the I-15 route:

  • During peak traffic, it takes approximately 13-14 hours to travel from California to Utah via I-15 (starting in Los Angeles or San Diego). Heavy traffic is usually seen between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • During low-traffic times, the journey can take under 10 hours. Early morning or late-night driving can be a good option for avoiding traffic and arriving at your destination quickly.

Alternate routes

If you're looking to break up the monotony of the I-15 drive, there are a few alternative routes to consider. Highway 89 North is a scenic drive that passes through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. At just over 500 miles, it's a shorter trip than the I-15 route but can still take up to 9 hours depending on traffic. If you're heading to southern Utah, you could take Highway 95 North from Las Vegas, which will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Valley of Fire State Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

Wrapping up

Driving from California to Utah can be a long trip, but it offers spectacular scenery along the way. Whether you're rushing to get to your destination or looking to take your time and enjoy the journey, there's a route that will fit your needs. With a little planning and some flexibility, you can make the most of your road trip and enjoy all that California and Utah have to offer. Happy travels!